JOHNNY GENE WARD

The Bakersfield Californian
28 March 2004

JOHNNY GENE WARD

Services: Mon., March 29, 11 a.m.

A parakeet lover he was, and was never without the company of two or three. On these feathered friends, he could always depend to be there to his end. They were privy to his deepest thoughts as any good friends ought.

Known by his siblings as Gene and by friends and coworkers as Johnny, he leaves a gaping space by his decision to join his much missed mother, Gladys M. Prichett to dwell in a better place. Johnny Gene Ward blessed the union of this lovely lady and Birt Ward, in Beggs, Oklahoma, on a mild spring day on the 4th of April, 1944.

In 1945, adios to Oklahoma made, it was California here we come. After a short stint in Okland, CA and the arrival of a new baby sister, the family relocated to Bakersfield, CA, where Gene grew up and lived until his final moments on the eve of the 22nd of March, 2004.

On August 8, 1968, Johnny Grene Married Hazel Jackson, and was smiled on with the birth of his only son, Roger E. Ward. Feeling the loss is Roger and his wife, Altagracia Ward; 3 adorable grandchildren, Roger E. Ward II, Kaniechia L. Ward, and Destiny M. Ward; 10 siblings, Ntsikilala (Loretta) Hill, Theopolis Ward, Ruth M. Lee, Izola F. Russaw, Merlo H. Theodore, Sylvana M. Webster and husband, Lynell Webster W, Tyretta (Rita) Prichett, Havander (Jr.) Prichett and wife, Yolanda Prichett, Bishop Garvin R. Prichett and wife, Connie D. Prichett, and Maurice G. Prichett; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and especially his coworkers at Sierra Iron and Demolition Co.

A send-off from your siblings and feathered friends: go in peace and hurt no moe while we carry your memory(ies) forever in our hearts. Khotsong Gene.

Special thanks, from the family, to the Reverend Josephate Jordan; without you, our bereavement would have been much greater; and to Sherry for grooming his hair during his illness, and all the others for your sincere concern. But most especially to our sister, Rita, who made his last days as much as a heaven on earth as possible - THANK YOU!

Viewing and visitation to start Sunday March 28, 2004, at 1:00 p.m., with a meditation to be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Chapel of Rucker's Mortuary. The funeral service will be held Monday, March 29, 2004, at 11:00 a.m., at Ambassadors For Christ Ministries, 5650 District Blvd. #109. Interment will follow at ©reenlawn Cemetery.

Rucker's Mortuary Family Owned & Operated
The Bakersfield Californian